Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons)

Intro

The Environmental Sciences BSc(Hons) is a flexible degree that draws from geography, ecology, geology and chemistry to address themes such as sustainability, conservation, pollution, earth systems and processes.

You will develop scientific skills and knowledge through classroom, laboratory and project work, with the freedom to choose between a broad-based study programme or a more specialised route.

The course has a general focus on employability, transferable skills and applied learning. To develop your field skills, there are trips to Greece, Sicily, and South Africa as well as the local area including the chalk and coastal landscapes of the South Downs National Park.

The option of a paid placement year gives you the chance to build experience and a network of professional contacts.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Students are eligible for free membership of IES, providing the opportunity to be a part of a long-established and reputable environmental science professional body.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code F901

Full-time 3 yearsWith placement year 4 years

Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

Our next open day for this course will take place in the summer. Register your interest now and we will let you know when you can book your place.

You will develop basic environmental science skills, analysis and field research. Fieldwork includes a trip to Greece.

Modules

Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Global Environmental Issues

Academic Learning and Field Skills

Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

Option modules*

Diversity of Life

Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

The Earth and Ocean System

Urban Geography

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Year 2

You will further develop your analytical and applied skills. This year includes an employability skills development module that will help prepare you for your chosen career. Fieldwork includes opportunities in Sicily or South Africa.

Modules

Geography fieldwork (or Biology Field Course, as specialist option)

Skills for Research and Data Analysis

Option modules*

General:

Human Origins and Evolution

Prehistoric and Ancient Societies

Community Engagement

Social and Cultural Geography

GIS and Remote Sensing: Principles and Practice

Practising Environmental Sciences

Basic Expedition Leadership

Theme 1: Environmental management and pollution

Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry

Environmental Pollution

Sustainable Development

Theme 2: Ecology and conservation

Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology

Physiology of Organisms

Managing Populations in Ecology and Conservations

Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Biogeography

Theme 3: Earth systems and processes

Paleoenvironments

Earth Surface Processes

Ice Age Earth

Biogeography

Climate Change

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

The placement year is a great opportunity to:

put your new skills into action in a real-life work place

build knowledge of businesses and organisations

develop existing skills and discover new ones

make contacts in industry and commerce

increase your confidence

improve your time management.

In recent years, our students have been successful in competing for nationally advertised positions with the Department for Energy and Climate Change, Transport for London, the Field Studies Council and the Office of National Statistics.

Other students have secured placements with environmental firms and consultancies, a multi-national telecommunications company and a renewable energy research centre in Spain.

Final year

The focus in your final year is your independent dissertation. Working with an expert academic, you will investigate a chosen topic and apply the research methods and analytical skills you have developed.

You also have the opportunity to undertake an optional research field skills module in Brazil.

Module

Dissertation

Option modules*

General:

Evolution of Life

Humans of Ice Age Britain

Political Ecology: Contested Environments and Development

Community Engagement

Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

Theme 1: Environmental management and pollution

Case Studies in Environmental Pollution

Aquatic Environments

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental Management

Water, Sanitation and Health

Theme 2: Ecology and conservation

Species Interactions

Ecological Impact Assessment

Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

Current Topics in Marine Ecology

Aquatic Environments

Research Field Skills, Brazil

Theme 3: Earth systems and processes

Oceans and Coasts

Aquatic Environments

Cold Environments and Environmental Change

Research Field Skills, Brazil

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

A-levels must include a pure science subject. BTEC must include a relevant science subject.

We will generally make you an offer if your predicted grades are at the top of this range. If your predicted grades are towards the lower end of this range we may still make you an offer if you have a good GCSE (or equivalent) profile or relevant non–academic achievements.

International Baccalaureate28 points, with three subjects at Higher level to include a relevant science subject.

Access to HE DiplomaPass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above. Level 3 units must include geography or environmental studies and a relevant science.

Foundation degree/HND/HNCInternational foundation may be considered. Applicants with an HND or foundation degree may be considered for year 2 entry.

Studied before or got relevant experience? A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

For non-native speakers of EnglishIELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

Fees

Fees

UK/EU (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 14,460 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,230 for home students and £2,060 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

All field trips are included in the course fee, except the South Africa expedition,which incurs an additional cost of around £800. Exact costs can be requested from the course team.

Location

Location

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

You can also enhance your experience by getting involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, Pride, the London to Brighton bike ride, the Brighton Marathon, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few.

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus. Subjects taught here include architecture, business, computing, construction, engineering, geography, product design, law and pharmacy.

On campus you will find professional-standard facilities including a flight simulator, trading room, design and digital media suites and specialist research laboratories, alongside the library, student centre, a nursery, fitness facilities and Students’ Union. There are excellent public transport links.

The Big BuildA major transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus began in summer 2018. By the time the Big Build is complete, there’ll be new halls of residence, academic building, and Students’ Union and fitness facilities – all created with sustainability, inclusivity and community in mind.

As the development grows it will provide many exciting learning opportunities for our students, ranging from live projects, placements and internships with the companies involved to guest lectures and site visits. Find out more...

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

All eligible 2019-entry applicants are guaranteed an offer of university-managed accommodation.

Halls of residenceWe have halls of residence across Brighton at Grand Parade, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.

Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Varley Park and Moulsecoomb Place halls

Varley Park offers a mix of room and catering options. Varley Park is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.

Moulsecoomb Place halls are all catered and are located right on campus.

Unihomes and uniletsUnihomes and unilets are student houses that we let to our students on behalf of private landlords. This option can work particularly well when you’re balancing learning with placements and other commitments. We have unihomes and unilet properties at locations across the city.

Private rentingThere's plenty of support if you opt for private rented accommodation. This is an option which offers choice and flexibility – enabling you to choose where you live and who with. We manage our own studenthomes database of properties. This lists accommodation offered by landlords who have signed up to our code of standards. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map

Student views

Zsófia Ugróczky

"My time at the University of Brighton has given me many new skills and qualities, including a broad insight into all aspects of environmental issues. This year, I had the opportunity to volunteer for an environmental organisation, where I applied my knowledge of soil contamination and environmental policy.

"The variety of different subjects that are offered within the course enabled me to develop new skills that I never imagined. Support from the staff and my personal tutor helped me make the right decisions about my choice of modules and my final dissertation.

"I have gained self-confidence and made many new and good friends that I will keep for life, and I am now planning to continue studying towards my MSc degree at the University of Brighton."

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Our next open day for this course will take place in the summer. Register your interest now and we will let you know when you can book your place.

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

These charts give an indication of how much time you will spend on different activities at each level of the course, and an indication of the balance of assessment by coursework, and written and practical exams. For courses with option modules, actual proportions will depend on the modules you choose.